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Command and Control #1
Command and Control
As a string of unexplained attacks push superpowers to the brink, the clock is ticking toward the start of World War III.
"A masterpiece of a military thriller...” —Jason Kasper, USA Today bestselling author of The Enemies of My Country
Don Riley, head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, has never seen anything like this.
Riley and his team are tasked with identifying national security threats before they become tomorrow’s bad news. But shortly after an Iranian vessel delivers a surprise attack to a US Navy Warship in the Arabian Gulf, a series of seemingly unrelated attacks crop up around the globe.
The US military is rapidly being drawn into full-fledged shooting wars on multiple fronts. Now Riley must sift through the layers of deception in time to discover who—or what—is behind these events…
...before the clock reaches zero hour.
Command and Control is the explosive first book in a brand new series co-written by former submarine officer, David Bruns, and retired naval intelligence officer, J.R. Olson. Dive into this nail-biting techno-thriller today, and brace yourself for an electrifying dose of military action, political intrigue, twist-filled espionage.
___________________________
Praise for the
“David Bruns and J.R. Olson deliver captivating and utterly authentic portrayals of modern day combat that compares with the best of the timeless classics by Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, and Stephen Coonts.” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mission Critical
“A fascinating World War Three scenario, and an action-packed story. This is going to be an amazing series!” —Andrew Watts, USA Today bestselling author of The War Planners
"With their background in the U.S. Navy, both Bruns and Olson have the right stuff to create a realistic military tale." ―Booklist
“These two guys have lived it. Now they’re writing it. Taut, tense, and totally believable, you will be dropped into the midst of a world with which few of us are familiar. A fine thriller indeed.” —Don Keith, author of Only the Brave and Final Bearing
“Command and Control is a masterpiece of a military thriller from the first page to the explosive ending…some of the best combat writing I’ve seen since Tom Clancy.” —Jason Kasper, USA Today bestselling author of The Enemies of My Country
"Bruns and Olson deliver an action packed story from the first to the very last page. Torn from tomorrow’s headlines, loaded with intrigue and mystery, a must read for any fan of military techno-thrillers." —George Wallace, author of Warshot and Operation Golden Dawn
___________________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "BRILLIANT!"★★★★★ "...even I was shocked..."★★★★★ "...nothing less than epic."★★★★★ "Tom Clancy, we found your successors.
"A masterpiece of a military thriller...” —Jason Kasper, USA Today bestselling author of The Enemies of My Country
Don Riley, head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, has never seen anything like this.
Riley and his team are tasked with identifying national security threats before they become tomorrow’s bad news. But shortly after an Iranian vessel delivers a surprise attack to a US Navy Warship in the Arabian Gulf, a series of seemingly unrelated attacks crop up around the globe.
The US military is rapidly being drawn into full-fledged shooting wars on multiple fronts. Now Riley must sift through the layers of deception in time to discover who—or what—is behind these events…
...before the clock reaches zero hour.
Command and Control is the explosive first book in a brand new series co-written by former submarine officer, David Bruns, and retired naval intelligence officer, J.R. Olson. Dive into this nail-biting techno-thriller today, and brace yourself for an electrifying dose of military action, political intrigue, twist-filled espionage.
___________________________
Praise for the
“David Bruns and J.R. Olson deliver captivating and utterly authentic portrayals of modern day combat that compares with the best of the timeless classics by Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, and Stephen Coonts.” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mission Critical
“A fascinating World War Three scenario, and an action-packed story. This is going to be an amazing series!” —Andrew Watts, USA Today bestselling author of The War Planners
"With their background in the U.S. Navy, both Bruns and Olson have the right stuff to create a realistic military tale." ―Booklist
“These two guys have lived it. Now they’re writing it. Taut, tense, and totally believable, you will be dropped into the midst of a world with which few of us are familiar. A fine thriller indeed.” —Don Keith, author of Only the Brave and Final Bearing
“Command and Control is a masterpiece of a military thriller from the first page to the explosive ending…some of the best combat writing I’ve seen since Tom Clancy.” —Jason Kasper, USA Today bestselling author of The Enemies of My Country
"Bruns and Olson deliver an action packed story from the first to the very last page. Torn from tomorrow’s headlines, loaded with intrigue and mystery, a must read for any fan of military techno-thrillers." —George Wallace, author of Warshot and Operation Golden Dawn
___________________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "BRILLIANT!"★★★★★ "...even I was shocked..."★★★★★ "...nothing less than epic."★★★★★ "Tom Clancy, we found your successors.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2022
3211 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
67 books254 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 26, 2022
A 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ instalment!
Review to come soon
Review to come soon
February 12, 2022
Review to come soon. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 1, 2022
Review of Advance Review Copy eBook
As the head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley knows there’s an expectation that he and his group will identify national security threats before they can take place. But when several unforeseen . . . and deadly . . . events take place, the days of ETG may be numbered.
The group saw nothing unusual, had no advance intelligence regarding the Iranian attack on a Navy warship in the Arabian Gulf. Nor was there any warning before the attack on the ships in the Panama Canal or before the deadly assault on the Naval War College International Seapower Symposium. And, despite appearances to the contrary, Don is certain that the blame for these events does not belong with the ones named as responsible for the unprovoked attacks. Proving it, however, is another matter.
Now, as American military forces prepare for what looks to be a shooting confrontation with their adversaries, Riley struggles to find the truth before continuing escalation puts them all into World War III.
But is there enough time to find the truth? And just who is behind all the attacks?
=========
Told from several points of view, this action-packed military thriller pulls the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. With realistic situations, characters, and events, the unfolding story weaves a web of intrigue as the tension builds and the palpable suspense soars into the stratosphere. An undercurrent of apprehension permeates the narrative, creating an uneasiness that keeps the reader guessing as both loyalties and conflicts evolve in surprising ways.
A strong sense of place anchors the compelling narrative while unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. This intriguing story plays out a frighteningly-realistic situation, one that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s an intense and thoroughly unsettling beginning for an electrifying series. Don’t miss this one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
As the head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley knows there’s an expectation that he and his group will identify national security threats before they can take place. But when several unforeseen . . . and deadly . . . events take place, the days of ETG may be numbered.
The group saw nothing unusual, had no advance intelligence regarding the Iranian attack on a Navy warship in the Arabian Gulf. Nor was there any warning before the attack on the ships in the Panama Canal or before the deadly assault on the Naval War College International Seapower Symposium. And, despite appearances to the contrary, Don is certain that the blame for these events does not belong with the ones named as responsible for the unprovoked attacks. Proving it, however, is another matter.
Now, as American military forces prepare for what looks to be a shooting confrontation with their adversaries, Riley struggles to find the truth before continuing escalation puts them all into World War III.
But is there enough time to find the truth? And just who is behind all the attacks?
=========
Told from several points of view, this action-packed military thriller pulls the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. With realistic situations, characters, and events, the unfolding story weaves a web of intrigue as the tension builds and the palpable suspense soars into the stratosphere. An undercurrent of apprehension permeates the narrative, creating an uneasiness that keeps the reader guessing as both loyalties and conflicts evolve in surprising ways.
A strong sense of place anchors the compelling narrative while unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. This intriguing story plays out a frighteningly-realistic situation, one that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s an intense and thoroughly unsettling beginning for an electrifying series. Don’t miss this one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
January 2, 2022
Gripping storyline; great pace and tension. It dealt with so many global geopolitical issues that the authors could have over-reached, but they tied it together well, and left some key issues unresolved. Looking forward to the follow up!
Well worth a read for all who enjoy edge-of-seat military adventures.
Well worth a read for all who enjoy edge-of-seat military adventures.
January 7, 2022
After reading this novel, if someone told me Tom Clancy was alive and well and still spinning his tales, I'd definitely believe them. I haven't read a military thriller this good since the days of Clancy's Jack Ryan Sr, stories.
The story begins with a whole series of disastrous events, scattered around the world and seemingly unrelated. While setting the stage, David Bruns and J.R. Olson also establish a cast of characters that are sympathetic and interesting and weave the story around them. Then, just as you're reaching the point where all those characters and events begin to feel just shy of overwhelming, they begin to pull it all together in ways you would never have imagined. The tension builds, the roller coaster of events hurdles over the top and you're caught up in a story that just doesn't quit. Just as you think you've got it all figure out, there's another twist - another big reveal, and you're off chasing the clues to the world political situation that could change live as we know it, forever.
It really helps the believability of the story that both Bruns and Olson are retired navy guys. They know their stuff. The military detail is believable and enhances a story that simply couldn't exist without it. The tech stuff feels natural and comfortable and I learned a lot without feeling like I was reading an article from Armies R Us.
In case you can't tell, I LOVED this book and heartily recommend it to any one who likes military or political thrillers. You won't be disappointed.
The story begins with a whole series of disastrous events, scattered around the world and seemingly unrelated. While setting the stage, David Bruns and J.R. Olson also establish a cast of characters that are sympathetic and interesting and weave the story around them. Then, just as you're reaching the point where all those characters and events begin to feel just shy of overwhelming, they begin to pull it all together in ways you would never have imagined. The tension builds, the roller coaster of events hurdles over the top and you're caught up in a story that just doesn't quit. Just as you think you've got it all figure out, there's another twist - another big reveal, and you're off chasing the clues to the world political situation that could change live as we know it, forever.
It really helps the believability of the story that both Bruns and Olson are retired navy guys. They know their stuff. The military detail is believable and enhances a story that simply couldn't exist without it. The tech stuff feels natural and comfortable and I learned a lot without feeling like I was reading an article from Armies R Us.
In case you can't tell, I LOVED this book and heartily recommend it to any one who likes military or political thrillers. You won't be disappointed.
January 10, 2022
The start of a “new” series
While Command and Control has links to the Weapons of Mass Deception series (a few characters from The Pandora Deception look as if they are going to be key players in the new series), Bruns and Olson have a new publisher and are signed for a six-book series at roughly two-per-year, and thriller readers have a lot to look forward to over that three-year period.
This one has a major character who is wreaking havoc with the US as well as targeting several others, but the nation he serves is masked up to the very end.
Politically relevant with respect to 2022: Check
A plot that transcends most current thrillers because it feels as if all of the events are taking place in the very world we live in: Check
Very well researched with technologies that are either currently state-of-the-art, or primed for actual development: Check
Areas where things take place are also very well researched, and locations look, smell, sound… like real places: Check
Previous books by Bruns and Olson have been compared to the best work of Tom Clancy. Well, they are not quite as long as Clancy’s tended to be, but as military fiction, they are ideal for all readers who enjoyed the Jack Ryan Series (including the Jack Ryan / Campus spinoffs).
And with total confidence, I have pre-ordered Counter Strike, the next one coming down the pipe.
While Command and Control has links to the Weapons of Mass Deception series (a few characters from The Pandora Deception look as if they are going to be key players in the new series), Bruns and Olson have a new publisher and are signed for a six-book series at roughly two-per-year, and thriller readers have a lot to look forward to over that three-year period.
This one has a major character who is wreaking havoc with the US as well as targeting several others, but the nation he serves is masked up to the very end.
Politically relevant with respect to 2022: Check
A plot that transcends most current thrillers because it feels as if all of the events are taking place in the very world we live in: Check
Very well researched with technologies that are either currently state-of-the-art, or primed for actual development: Check
Areas where things take place are also very well researched, and locations look, smell, sound… like real places: Check
Previous books by Bruns and Olson have been compared to the best work of Tom Clancy. Well, they are not quite as long as Clancy’s tended to be, but as military fiction, they are ideal for all readers who enjoyed the Jack Ryan Series (including the Jack Ryan / Campus spinoffs).
And with total confidence, I have pre-ordered Counter Strike, the next one coming down the pipe.
January 11, 2022
A semi spin off of the WMD series from Mr.Bruns and Mr. Olson as a number of the characters from that series are involved with this new series, including Don Riley who is leading the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group. They are tasked with finding threats before they happen.
The storyline is solid, as a number of threats emerge around the world, and it is up to Don and his team to predict these threats and help to eliminate then. Early on it is rough going for Don and his team as they are reacting after the fact. They need to dig in and find out who is behind these threats before it is too late.
Mr. Bruns and Mr. Olson use their naval background to paint a very detailed picture. You can tell they are well versed in both The United States Navy and the cyber world that controls our world today. While they provide a lot of technical information, it never seems to slow or drag down the story.
This is an excellent thriller that keeps you turning the page. If you are really into details specifically regarding the United States Navy, you will enjoy this book even more. Overall a worthy start to this new series. I look forward to more to come from Don and his team. Thank you to Mr. Bruns, Mr. Olson, and Severn River Publishing for a free ARC for an honest review of this book.
The storyline is solid, as a number of threats emerge around the world, and it is up to Don and his team to predict these threats and help to eliminate then. Early on it is rough going for Don and his team as they are reacting after the fact. They need to dig in and find out who is behind these threats before it is too late.
Mr. Bruns and Mr. Olson use their naval background to paint a very detailed picture. You can tell they are well versed in both The United States Navy and the cyber world that controls our world today. While they provide a lot of technical information, it never seems to slow or drag down the story.
This is an excellent thriller that keeps you turning the page. If you are really into details specifically regarding the United States Navy, you will enjoy this book even more. Overall a worthy start to this new series. I look forward to more to come from Don and his team. Thank you to Mr. Bruns, Mr. Olson, and Severn River Publishing for a free ARC for an honest review of this book.
March 15, 2022
Clancy fans should check this out. Terrorist attacks around the world. Who is doing this? Is it the Russians? That is a question the President and his cabinet need to figure out. The head of the "Emerging threat's isn't so sure. The US sends its 3 aircraft carriers to the arctic to deal with Russia where the US is fired upon. A mysterious man is behind things going on around the world. He reports to the "Minister". This was a fast-paced book with lots of action and is similar to Clancy's books with the exception that Clancy went into further detail about the mechanics of the equipment and things like that. It was definite 5-star book.
December 18, 2022
Life Imitating Art?
Following an escalating series of events scattered across the globe, the world is on the brink of World War III. Considering the massive overkill capacities of each of the major players, can the world survive? With "You Are There" authenticity, the story follows as events play out in the major hotspots of the world. The action is predicated on potential real-world crises playing out and masterfully plotted by authors Bruns and Olson to produce a gripping thriller. The only problem is, while they were plotting and writing the series, certain oligarchs were borrowing portions of the playbook IRL (in real life)!
(While each novel in this series and its predecessor stands on its own, you may want to go back and read the previous series that provides additional background on some of the primary protagonists.) Five Glowing Stars!!!
Following an escalating series of events scattered across the globe, the world is on the brink of World War III. Considering the massive overkill capacities of each of the major players, can the world survive? With "You Are There" authenticity, the story follows as events play out in the major hotspots of the world. The action is predicated on potential real-world crises playing out and masterfully plotted by authors Bruns and Olson to produce a gripping thriller. The only problem is, while they were plotting and writing the series, certain oligarchs were borrowing portions of the playbook IRL (in real life)!
(While each novel in this series and its predecessor stands on its own, you may want to go back and read the previous series that provides additional background on some of the primary protagonists.) Five Glowing Stars!!!
January 21, 2022
Really good book
I enjoyed this book. The beginning was kind of hard for me but 1/3 into it it really got good. I will read next in series
I enjoyed this book. The beginning was kind of hard for me but 1/3 into it it really got good. I will read next in series
March 12, 2022
NOT INTERESTED IN THIS STORY LINE
Somewhat interesting read, but the ending leads to book 2 and I’m just not interested in more espionage/cloak and dagger stuff. This book began with a series of seemingly separate events which eventually connected towards the middle of the book. Not really hard to read, but a little disjointed. It did have a sense of technical accuracy with a heavy dose of military jargon and global political machinations, but it was wide, thinly constructed storyline with gaps in it as it jumped from scenario to scenario. This books seems to have served as the backstory for book two - in fact several chapters of book to are included to entice readers to buy book two. I think there are several books in this series and it suspect each one is a set up to the next in the series. If you like global espionage stories with a hefty dose of military and intelligence operations, you might like these books. I doubt I’ll be reading any more of this series.
Somewhat interesting read, but the ending leads to book 2 and I’m just not interested in more espionage/cloak and dagger stuff. This book began with a series of seemingly separate events which eventually connected towards the middle of the book. Not really hard to read, but a little disjointed. It did have a sense of technical accuracy with a heavy dose of military jargon and global political machinations, but it was wide, thinly constructed storyline with gaps in it as it jumped from scenario to scenario. This books seems to have served as the backstory for book two - in fact several chapters of book to are included to entice readers to buy book two. I think there are several books in this series and it suspect each one is a set up to the next in the series. If you like global espionage stories with a hefty dose of military and intelligence operations, you might like these books. I doubt I’ll be reading any more of this series.
May 3, 2022
A contrived and unbelievable story with weak and undeveloped characters, this is not a good book and not entertaining. It seems there are many authors out there trying to be Clancy but miss the mark, this book is an example of such. One of the problems with this tyle of trying to write about a worldwide event is the jumping from many sub-events. The result are underdeveloped characters and event snippets. There is no real underlying story just the usual Presidential conference room meetings and desperate servicemembers at their post in a trying situation where it all comes together at the last moment and some intel weenie suddenly solves it. Oh, and you have the smart and capable junior officer who saves the day by disobeying orders. Then there is the adolescent sex scene Chapter which is just terrible and gives nothing to the plot. And there is even a "Dr. Evil-esque" character to make this story even more silly. This is an intelligence officer's fantasy.
April 5, 2022
I judged the book by its cover, and the cover art sucked in me in. I thought it was going to a book about war, but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover.
I tend to like a little more war when I read books about war. This was a 500 page setup for book 2, there was very little shooting, and it took me forever to read because it kept putting me to sleep. I will read book 2, just so this wasn't a complete waste of time, but there had better be more war or I will be terribly disappointed.
I saw in the other reviews that someone called this guy the next Tom Clancy. Ummmm....no.
I tend to like a little more war when I read books about war. This was a 500 page setup for book 2, there was very little shooting, and it took me forever to read because it kept putting me to sleep. I will read book 2, just so this wasn't a complete waste of time, but there had better be more war or I will be terribly disappointed.
I saw in the other reviews that someone called this guy the next Tom Clancy. Ummmm....no.
January 8, 2022
Thrilling story, full of action from start to finish. Couldn’t put it down, just hoping it is all fiction.
December 14, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to read this exciting techno-thriller by David Bruns and J.R. Olson (as I cleared another title from my TBR pile). This series appears to be a spin-off of their previous "Weapons of Mass Destruction" series as many of the characters that formed the nucleus of that storyline make their appearance felt in the "Command and Control" series. This series was originally published in January 2020 (but the storyline could easily be ripped from the headlines in 2024)
The synopsis of this novel states that after a string of unexplained attacks on US military forces, the American government led by President Serrano is scrambling to find who is behind such a brash move. The story begins with a series of seemingly unrelated disastrous events scattered around the world.
These random attacks have one thing in common: the latest Russian weaponry. Soon US forces are spread thin, not only in response to multiple threats, but also because the new president vows to oust the illegal Maduro regime in Venezuela. As conflicts rage across the globe, a terror attack decimates the US Navy’s top brass gathered for a global naval conference at Annapolis.
Don Reilly is head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group with access to the highest level of US policymakers
He’s desperately trying to connect dots around the globe. Why would the Russian president, a thinly disguised Putin, want to go to war now? Why has North Korea suddenly decided to jettison its nuclear program? How was the Venezuelan military, on the brink of starvation and out of hard currency, able to procure the latest in Russian military technology? Who was behind the Annapolis terror attack?
Told from several points of view, this action-packed military thriller pulls the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. With realistic situations, characters, and events, the unfolding story weaves a web of intrigue as the tension builds and the palpable suspense soars into the stratosphere. An undercurrent of apprehension permeates the narrative, creating an uneasiness that keeps the reader guessing as both loyalties and conflicts evolve in surprising ways.
A strong sense of place anchors the compelling narrative while unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. This intriguing story plays out a frighteningly-realistic situation, one that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s an intense and thoroughly unsettling beginning for an electrifying series. Don’t miss this one.
Like Tom Clancy’s THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, there is lots of military activity and technology here, but kudos to the authors for knowing that not every reader appreciates a data dump or pages of tech jargon. Instead, swift explanations enhance the action. Bruns and Olson bill themselves as the Two Navy Guys and their expertise shows. The scenes at sea are authentic.
On my self-proclaimed five-star rating scale, I would give this book a definite four-star rating (with the only reason for only giving this book a slightly lower rating than what this excellent techno-thriller should deserve is that having recently completed Brun and Olson's previous Weapons of Mass Destruction four-book series, the opening chapters sounded like they were lifted word-for-word from The Pandora Deception).
With the only negative that I could find with this book out of the way, I believe that this novel (and likely the whole series, as this book is the first of a six-book series) would be a definite favourite for aficionados of the modern military thriller. Fans of Tom Clancy, James Rosone, Nick Ryan, T.K. Blackwood, and Jim Bultema would definitely enjoy the writings of this pair of authors.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
The synopsis of this novel states that after a string of unexplained attacks on US military forces, the American government led by President Serrano is scrambling to find who is behind such a brash move. The story begins with a series of seemingly unrelated disastrous events scattered around the world.
These random attacks have one thing in common: the latest Russian weaponry. Soon US forces are spread thin, not only in response to multiple threats, but also because the new president vows to oust the illegal Maduro regime in Venezuela. As conflicts rage across the globe, a terror attack decimates the US Navy’s top brass gathered for a global naval conference at Annapolis.
Don Reilly is head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group with access to the highest level of US policymakers
He’s desperately trying to connect dots around the globe. Why would the Russian president, a thinly disguised Putin, want to go to war now? Why has North Korea suddenly decided to jettison its nuclear program? How was the Venezuelan military, on the brink of starvation and out of hard currency, able to procure the latest in Russian military technology? Who was behind the Annapolis terror attack?
Told from several points of view, this action-packed military thriller pulls the reader into the telling of the tale from the outset. With realistic situations, characters, and events, the unfolding story weaves a web of intrigue as the tension builds and the palpable suspense soars into the stratosphere. An undercurrent of apprehension permeates the narrative, creating an uneasiness that keeps the reader guessing as both loyalties and conflicts evolve in surprising ways.
A strong sense of place anchors the compelling narrative while unexpected plot twists keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. This intriguing story plays out a frighteningly-realistic situation, one that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s an intense and thoroughly unsettling beginning for an electrifying series. Don’t miss this one.
Like Tom Clancy’s THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, there is lots of military activity and technology here, but kudos to the authors for knowing that not every reader appreciates a data dump or pages of tech jargon. Instead, swift explanations enhance the action. Bruns and Olson bill themselves as the Two Navy Guys and their expertise shows. The scenes at sea are authentic.
On my self-proclaimed five-star rating scale, I would give this book a definite four-star rating (with the only reason for only giving this book a slightly lower rating than what this excellent techno-thriller should deserve is that having recently completed Brun and Olson's previous Weapons of Mass Destruction four-book series, the opening chapters sounded like they were lifted word-for-word from The Pandora Deception).
With the only negative that I could find with this book out of the way, I believe that this novel (and likely the whole series, as this book is the first of a six-book series) would be a definite favourite for aficionados of the modern military thriller. Fans of Tom Clancy, James Rosone, Nick Ryan, T.K. Blackwood, and Jim Bultema would definitely enjoy the writings of this pair of authors.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
December 27, 2022
Great page-turner of a book which put me in mind of Tom Clancy in his heyday. I'm not even sure how I came across this; I think it just popped up on Amazon or something, so I grabbed it on a whim and man! I'm glad that I did. I like military thrillers, and while I do enjoy Brad Thor and Vince Flynn, I get a little bored with the whole superhero thing. This book is multiple POVs and is telling a global story, in the same way that Red Storm Rising did 30 years ago: intelligence agencies, military personnel, politicians, civilians, etc. all on a giant world-spanning canvas. So freaking good! I am absolutely reading the next one!
My Navy days are getting further and further into my past, but I could taste the salt water when I read this great story. Bravo Zulu, shipmates. (Also, I knew it was the god damn REDACTED all along!
My Navy days are getting further and further into my past, but I could taste the salt water when I read this great story. Bravo Zulu, shipmates. (Also, I knew it was the god damn REDACTED all along!
January 25, 2023
This is the first novel I've read in this genre. Oh, wait...I did read The Hunt for Red October 20 years ago. So it's my second. With that, I'm judging this on a few qualities: readability for the non-military layperson; credibility of the story; exciting page turner; guessability of the ending, etc. (You can read the plot summary in the book blurb; I'm not repeating it here.)
I loved this book! Bruns and Olson are exceptionally good at writing for their military audience AND those of us who don't know the difference between an F-35 and an E-18 Growler. The navy lingo can be excessive, but the authors smoothly and seamlessly insert all of the long form names alongside the endless number of acronyms so that you know what the heck they're talking about. The story is a great one, and this book is a terrific read. Fast paced and exciting, it's a genuine page turner and I did NOT guess the ending. Yippee!
The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 is that there were several sections in the book where the technical chatter went on and on and on, rendering me bleary eyed. Nevertheless, it comes down to this: would I read another book by these authors. Yes, I would. Solid 4 stars.
I loved this book! Bruns and Olson are exceptionally good at writing for their military audience AND those of us who don't know the difference between an F-35 and an E-18 Growler. The navy lingo can be excessive, but the authors smoothly and seamlessly insert all of the long form names alongside the endless number of acronyms so that you know what the heck they're talking about. The story is a great one, and this book is a terrific read. Fast paced and exciting, it's a genuine page turner and I did NOT guess the ending. Yippee!
The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 is that there were several sections in the book where the technical chatter went on and on and on, rendering me bleary eyed. Nevertheless, it comes down to this: would I read another book by these authors. Yes, I would. Solid 4 stars.
September 25, 2022
Although this isn't a bad book, with a decent plot line, I feel its let down by a few factors:
1. A huge amount of waffle. Instead of 'bob pressed a button' you get 3 pages of text telling you the colour of the button, how the button was made, the smell of the button, how the button was fitted. I was constantly having to speed read/skip paragraph after paragraph of padding text, to get back onto the actual story.
2. Being from a security background, quite a bit of the security compromise concepts being described were inaccurate or nonsensical. I can't comment on the accuracy of the military hardware concepts, but they seemed more accurate.
3. The sexual elements of the story were completely not needed and a waste of text, they added nothing to the story. Again, had to speed read/skip swathes of that to get back on track.
4. A pretty lazy sloppy stereotypical description of anything Russian.
I liked the book, it was ok as a holiday read, but it could be gutted and 50% of the text removed and still be as good.
1. A huge amount of waffle. Instead of 'bob pressed a button' you get 3 pages of text telling you the colour of the button, how the button was made, the smell of the button, how the button was fitted. I was constantly having to speed read/skip paragraph after paragraph of padding text, to get back onto the actual story.
2. Being from a security background, quite a bit of the security compromise concepts being described were inaccurate or nonsensical. I can't comment on the accuracy of the military hardware concepts, but they seemed more accurate.
3. The sexual elements of the story were completely not needed and a waste of text, they added nothing to the story. Again, had to speed read/skip swathes of that to get back on track.
4. A pretty lazy sloppy stereotypical description of anything Russian.
I liked the book, it was ok as a holiday read, but it could be gutted and 50% of the text removed and still be as good.
January 13, 2022
Tom Clancy we found your Successor’s
We’re entered into a shadow conspiracy of an individual meeting with the President of North Korea Kim Jong-un and a series of separate terrorist attacks around the world with escalating conflict with US forces. Then we ‘re given chacthers who’ve stated in bouth multiple and single novels by the authours to create individual storylines who all most work together to discovery who is behind They’s acts of war , but has the novel progresses even I was shocked what the endgame truly was has the layers where peeled each time threw athe eyes of sailors on warships to agents the field. That have link the use of advance weapons against the US and there’s threw this massive thriller that covers a wide area of next-gen weapons from cyber-weapons to A.I. controlled submarines that show us They’s tools and ways they’ll change the face of war.
We’re entered into a shadow conspiracy of an individual meeting with the President of North Korea Kim Jong-un and a series of separate terrorist attacks around the world with escalating conflict with US forces. Then we ‘re given chacthers who’ve stated in bouth multiple and single novels by the authours to create individual storylines who all most work together to discovery who is behind They’s acts of war , but has the novel progresses even I was shocked what the endgame truly was has the layers where peeled each time threw athe eyes of sailors on warships to agents the field. That have link the use of advance weapons against the US and there’s threw this massive thriller that covers a wide area of next-gen weapons from cyber-weapons to A.I. controlled submarines that show us They’s tools and ways they’ll change the face of war.
January 11, 2022
Do you like military thrillers? How about military thrillers filled with as much intrigue as action? If your answer is yes, Command and Control is for you! From the opening salvo in this book the reader gets wrapped up in a story built around a spy who sets up America’s enemies against America. The military protocol and technology remind me of the early Jack Ryan stories from Tom Clancy. Along with unending action, spies, and several unforeseen twists these authors craft a story that could happen in today’s world. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. What I do know is it will require a seatbelt because I’m sure it will be a rollercoaster ride just like Command and Control. I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
March 31, 2022
The Curtain Rises
First book of a new trilogy begins with glimpses into the shadow world of escalating crises. The characters become less cyphers as the story unfolds at a terrible pace, sweeping the reader along into the mysteries of a heinous plot to destabilize the world. Multiple arcs twist and weave interspersed with action and intrigue as our own perceptions of motives are challenged and teased. Technology takes a razor sharp leading edge to this thriller. I was swept along, engaged throughout the story until the sudden end of the book, demanding that I vividly anticipate the next book. Well written and clever.
First book of a new trilogy begins with glimpses into the shadow world of escalating crises. The characters become less cyphers as the story unfolds at a terrible pace, sweeping the reader along into the mysteries of a heinous plot to destabilize the world. Multiple arcs twist and weave interspersed with action and intrigue as our own perceptions of motives are challenged and teased. Technology takes a razor sharp leading edge to this thriller. I was swept along, engaged throughout the story until the sudden end of the book, demanding that I vividly anticipate the next book. Well written and clever.
November 20, 2022
Excelente libro, la temática es realmente interesante
No es un libro de espías, trata de un complot para disfrazar las verdaderas intenciones de quien lo lleva a cabo.
Sin embargo me hubiera gustado mayor detalle en algunas de las acciones desarrolladas por el ejército de EUA, por ejemplo la invasión de Venezuela donde apenas se menciona como se dio, sin detalle de combates ni qué pasó con Maduro y sus secuaces. Un poco ma's de drama describiendo esos, y otros hechos similares, hubiera cambiado mi valoración a 5 estrellas.
Aún así es una lectura súper entretenida y definitivamente la recomiendo.
No es un libro de espías, trata de un complot para disfrazar las verdaderas intenciones de quien lo lleva a cabo.
Sin embargo me hubiera gustado mayor detalle en algunas de las acciones desarrolladas por el ejército de EUA, por ejemplo la invasión de Venezuela donde apenas se menciona como se dio, sin detalle de combates ni qué pasó con Maduro y sus secuaces. Un poco ma's de drama describiendo esos, y otros hechos similares, hubiera cambiado mi valoración a 5 estrellas.
Aún así es una lectura súper entretenida y definitivamente la recomiendo.
Read
March 30, 2023A Well Chosen Military stealth Strategy
There was an attack on a meeting of the majority of worldwide Naval Officers, at the US Naval College. This happened right after the US had attacked Venezuela to overthrow their dictatorship. The US lost a large contingent of airborne aircraft.
The Venezuelans had used a new generation of air to air missiles of
Russian manufacturer. It was also known that there were no Russians at the Naval College. Then some of the Locks of the Panama Canal were blown up by what were proven to also be Russian.
At the White House the President and his cabinet began to put together a plan to revenge what had happened.
There was an attack on a meeting of the majority of worldwide Naval Officers, at the US Naval College. This happened right after the US had attacked Venezuela to overthrow their dictatorship. The US lost a large contingent of airborne aircraft.
The Venezuelans had used a new generation of air to air missiles of
Russian manufacturer. It was also known that there were no Russians at the Naval College. Then some of the Locks of the Panama Canal were blown up by what were proven to also be Russian.
At the White House the President and his cabinet began to put together a plan to revenge what had happened.
February 3, 2024
I would give 4.5 if that were an option. I'd recently re-read Red Storm Rising for the first time in about 15 years. Probably because of that, this book appeared in my recommendations, with reviews indicatibg that it was very Tom Clancy like. It is similar, more so than anything else that I have read, but it still falls short of the mark. Pretty well written, although with probably more short sentences than needed. There and are a couple of twists that are meant to be big surprises, but that I had been expecting for at least 1/2 of the book. That does not take away from the book. I will be continuing the series.
Read
January 13, 2022Wow, what a story. Entertaining, violent, an impossible love interest and an amazing twist that the reader cannot see coming what with all the misinformation that is provided! Action packed from start to finish, a series of seemingly unrelated violent attacks on shipping in various localities around the world has the US navy on war footing and the world teetering on the brink of all-out war. This has it all – military action, political intrigue and espionage with that super twist that is a real surprise.
You do not want to miss this one. It can be summed up in one word – BRILLIANT!
Moses
You do not want to miss this one. It can be summed up in one word – BRILLIANT!
Moses
August 9, 2022
The book starts with an operative of unknown nationality carrying out a bunch of terrorist and military conflicts across the world. And with each conflict the USA was forced to relocateits forces in order to respobd to these emerging threats. The USA and Russia are on the brink of war as all evidence pointed put that Russian arms were behind the unrest across the world. Until the discovery of the operative by the emerging threats group within the CIA, there are lot of unknowns. The author has maintained the suspense well throughout the book.
January 20, 2023
It's an Edge of Your Seat Thiller!
This is a possibility of a show down between the Russian and the U.S. ! I realize that this the work of fiction, but given the state of the world at this present moment in history give me great pause! The story track almost like a type of James Bond thriller without the super Agent! The way the story was being set up, I was surely surprise at who ended up being the real master mind behind the attacks! Had me going there for sure. Looking forward now to reading the entire series now!
This is a possibility of a show down between the Russian and the U.S. ! I realize that this the work of fiction, but given the state of the world at this present moment in history give me great pause! The story track almost like a type of James Bond thriller without the super Agent! The way the story was being set up, I was surely surprise at who ended up being the real master mind behind the attacks! Had me going there for sure. Looking forward now to reading the entire series now!
January 25, 2022
Command and Control
I learned a lot about world geography reading this book as I looked up most of the places that I was unfamiliar with that were key areas in this story. There were a lot of military commands and descriptions, but they were written in a way that even those who are non military could understand. Surprise ending; or maybe you will have already figured it out by that time, and it won't be a total surprise to you.
I learned a lot about world geography reading this book as I looked up most of the places that I was unfamiliar with that were key areas in this story. There were a lot of military commands and descriptions, but they were written in a way that even those who are non military could understand. Surprise ending; or maybe you will have already figured it out by that time, and it won't be a total surprise to you.
January 23, 2023
I really like this author duo. It is not my first book from the author and will not be my last. I read this and thought of Tom Clancy and how his books start one way and spiral out and become global affairs with tentacles reaching into many different countries and players. This is one of those books. I don't want to spoil any of the plot but if this sounds like your type of book, pick this up. It is great and I can't wait for the next installment by the authors.
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